Three projects currently surging forward at NMC are propelling a blue economy built upon the Grand Traverse area’s most valuable resource — fresh water — from vision to reality.
“This would encourage businesses to relocate and encourage collaboration for testing and development of new products,” Jason Slade, NMC vice president for strategic initiatives, said of the zone.
Products like the sensor that put Traverse City startup Wave Lumina into the AquaHacking finals. The company’s portable field sensor detects ultra-low levels of PFAS and other chemicals, also known as forever chemicals and linked to a long list of health hazards.
“This competition has been a wonderful opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs in the blue economy space to develop their ideas,” said Vernon Lalone, managing director for Wave Lumina and an Elk Rapids High School graduate. “All this energy aligns incredibly well with research NMC is doing now, the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, and the local innovation and entrepreneurial support systems like NMC, 20Fathoms, and Traverse Connect.”
The AquaHacking challenge and the FRIC are new facets to the freshwater expertise that NMC has honed over the past two decades, since the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute was founded. WSI coordinator Matt Hirsch is one of the water issue leaders for the challenge, which will convene the 10 finalist teams – three from Michigan, one from Philadelphia and six from Canada – March 8-10 for a water leadership expedition.
“It really represents the collective expertise that we house that is considered the benchmark in the nation,” said Van Sumeren. The training he’ll deliver in New Jersey grew out of curriculum originally written for NMC’s bachelor’s degree in Marine Technology.
“We’re the only school that really does this, that focuses on these applied technical skills for the blue economy workforce,” Van Sumeren said.
His audience in New Jersey — two groups of 15 in March and April — will be commercial divers working in the East Coast’s growing offshore wind energy market.
“These installations require significant amounts of inspection,” Van Sumeren said. “The ROV represents a new way for these divers to engage in the industry appropriately.”
Van Sumeren and Lutchko have conducted ROV training with students as far as away as China, where they’ll return in person next year. Due to China’s COVID restrictions, training was last run in 2022 and done virtually. The partnership with Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute will resume virtually this fall with 60 students, the largest class to date, and continue in person in spring 2025.
Caps and gowns are now available! Stop by the NMC Bookstore (located in the Health & Science building) or shop online at bookstore.nmc.edu.
A significant road construction project is expected to begin in March that will affect access to NMC campuses and may cause delays for commuters. While construction will be closest to the Front Street campus and the Great Lakes campus, planners expect traffic throughout the region to be impacted.
MDOT is embarking on a significant reconstruction of a 2-mile section of US-31/M-37/M-72 (Grandview Parkway/Front Street) in Traverse City, spanning from the US-31/M-37/M-72 west junction (Division Street) to just east of Garfield Road.
The project will be divided into two segments:
Construction will begin on the eastern segment in March, with completion scheduled before the National Cherry Festival. Work on the western segment will begin after the festival.
This construction will impact businesses, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and anyone traveling along that section of road during the construction phase, as well as those along the proposed detour route.
During the eastern segment construction starting in March 2024, westbound traffic will be detoured on Railroad Avenue and Eighth Street, while eastbound traffic will be detoured on Peninsula Drive, Eastern Avenue, and Milliken Drive. Northbound and southbound M-37/Garfield Avenue traffic will be detoured on Eastern Avenue, Milliken Drive, Fair Street, and Eighth Street.
During the western segment construction starting in July, there will be lane closures and traffic shifts for both directions of traffic.
MDOT aims to implement operational enhancements at the intersections of Division Street, Hall Street, Front Street, and Peninsula Drive, as well as drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, repairs to the Murchie Bridge over the Boardman River, and installation of new signs and pavement markings. Additionally, MDOT plans to add pedestrian crossings at Peninsula Drive and Front Street, improve the pedestrian crossing at Division Street, and collaborate with TART and the city to extend the trail to the east and widen where possible.
If you have additional questions about this project please visit these resource pages:
We apologize for any inconvenience this construction may cause and encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and utilize alternative routes if possible. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work through this important infrastructure improvement.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: meat or vegetable lasagna
Side: broccoli and garlic crostini
Entrée: beef or tofu tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and chipotle ranch
Sides: Spanish rice and refried beans
Entrée: chicken or tofu coconut curry with jasmine rice
Side: naan bread
Food for the Soul buffet ($14.00; available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. only)
Entrées: fried catfish, rib tips, black bean burgers or blackened tofu
Sides: fried okra, collard greens (with or without ham), cornbread, banana pudding, peach cobbler
Entrée: GLCI smashburger with cheese, bacon, & onion straws on brioche
Side: sweet potato fries and asparagus
The Motorsports Club at Northern Michigan College is one of many student-led groups on campus that aim to support and engage students. NMC Motorsports has a large-scale goal to design and build a vehicle that will rival others within the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
As a multifaceted group, the members have gained experience in everything from marketing to hands-on mechanics and CAD software design. Having just placed a favorable 14th out of 38 vehicles at the MTU BAJA race in January, the group is preparing for another sizable competition at the University of Wisconsin next October.
“NMC Motorsports is not just a club; it’s a catalyst for diverse student growth, providing a nurturing environment for hands-on learning, skill development, and a sense of community beyond traditional academic experiences at NMC.” – Jaron Larson, NMC Motorsports President
Members have actively worked on collaborating with other student groups and are encouraging students to consider joining the Motorsports Club, regardless of mechanical interest. Roles like Event Planner, Social Media Strategist and Logistics Coordinator are just a few the group is looking to recruit. If you are interested in learning more, email Jaron Larson at larso167@mail.nmc.edu
Do you want to see a specific student group featured? Fill out the nomination form. Questions? Email cknight@nmc.edu
The Health & Science Building atrium on NMC’s Front Street campus will be used as a polling place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27 for Precinct 9 voters to cast their ballots. Some parking in the Cedar lot will be set aside for voters at those times.
The NMC Bookstore will be closed that day as well, and will reopen with normal hours on Wednesday, February 28.
TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College is seeking nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni awards. Nominations will be accepted through March 8.
Since 1988, Northwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Alumni award has recognized graduates and past students for significant professional achievements and/or exemplary leadership in the local or global community. Nominees for this award should have demonstrated accomplishments that also reflect the NMC values of dedication to life-long learning, innovation and integrity, and respect for and collaboration with others. Recognition is not solely contingent on having received a degree or cerificate from NMC, but on the achievements of the nominee and positve perspective about the role that NMC played in their lives.
More information and the nomination form can be found at nmc.edu/alumni. Nominations may be submitted online. To have a paper nomination form mailed, call (231) 995-1834 or email alumni@nmc.edu.
The 2023 Outstanding Alumni recipients were Dr. Jerry Dobek and Tiffany McQueer. A complete list of past honorees may be found online. For more information about NMC’s Alumni program, visit nmc.edu/alumni.
Carly McCall
Director of Alumni Engagement
alumni@nmc.edu
(231) 995-2825
TRAVERSE CITY — Tickets are now on sale for A Taste of Success, the premier annual fundraiser for students at NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute, which returns to its in-person format on April 26, for the first time since 2019.
At the strolling tasting event, guests will enjoy international cuisine prepared and served by culinary students along with curated wines and beverages. First held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994, the 2023 to-go event raised more than $145,000 for student scholarships and the greatest needs of the GLCI program.
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College offers both degree and certificates. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.
Tickets are $150 each. Sponsorships are also available. Call (231) 995-1021 or buy online at nmc.edu/taste-of-success.
Chef Les Eckert
Director, Great Lakes Culinary Institute
(231) 995-1197
leckert@nmc.edu
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
TRAVERSE CITY — High school students and families can learn more about NMC’s new, lower dual enrollment tuition rate for students from outside Grand Traverse County at several upcoming information sessions.
The new rate of $160 per contact hour will allow hundreds more students to access a fast track to an affordable college degree by dual-enrolling at NMC while still in high school, usually as a junior or senior.
School districts pay for dual enrollment, using a portion of their state funding to cover the tuition. Since a student’s residency factors into their NMC tuition rate, however, the state dollars haven’t always covered the total bill. Until now, families could be billed for the difference.
The new rate, unanimously approved by NMC’s Board of Trustees in January, is expected to cover the tuition and fee bill for three- and four-credit classes. This would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for most dual-enrolled students regardless of where they live, with the potential exception of books and course fees, where applicable, such as lab courses.
Five upcoming sessions give students and parents in-person and virtual options to learn more about dual enrollment, the application process and choosing courses aligned with their future goals. In-person sessions are held in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center on NMC’s Front Street campus.
The first two sessions focus more on what classes to take based on individual interests and goals, while the last three are focused on applying and admission. However, families can attend any session that fits their schedule.
Kaitlyn Watson, a 2020 graduate of Grand Traverse Academy, earned 42 credits through dual enrollment at NMC. With that head start, Watson graduated from Michigan State University with her bachelor’s degree in December 2022, just two and a half years after her high school commencement.
“Dual enrollment allowed me to complete college quickly, debt-free, and begin to pursue my true passions,” said Watson, who majored in statistics and now works for MSU. “It truly changed my life.”
Visit nmc.edu/dual-enroll for more information.
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
(231) 392-1800 (mobile – call or text)
cnoga@nmc.edu
TRAVERSE CITY – Northwestern Michigan College’s performance ensembles will hold three upcoming concerts:
Friday, February 23: NMC Chamber Singers and Canticum Novum choral performance. 7:30 p.m., at the Alluvion, 414 E. 8th St. Directed by Jeff Cobb, the concert will include choral works from around the world and will feature several classic and contemporary spirituals in celebration of Black History Month. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and available online.
Wednesday, February 28: NMC Chamber Singers host the Eastern Michigan University Choir. 7:30 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center on NMC’s Front Street campus. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, March 2: NMC Concert Band and Grand Traverse Chorale present “Coming of Light.” 7:30 p.m., Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center for the Arts. Performance features John Rutter’s “Magnificat” and C.M. von Weber’s “Clarinet Concerto.” Tickets are $8 students/seniors or $13 adults pre-order, and $10 students/seniors or $15/adults at the door. Contact the NMC box office at (231) 995-1340 for questions or assistance in purchasing tickets.
Jeff Cobb
NMC Music Programs Director
(231) 995-1338
jecobb@nmc.edu
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: lamb gyros or falafel with pita
Side: lemon rice
Entrée: chicken & cheese or roasted poblano & bean quesadilla
Sides: Spanish rice and Mexican street corn
Entrée: sesame chicken or tofu stir fry with basmati rice
Side: egg roll
Food for the soul menu (protein option $6.00; vegetarian option is $5.00)
Entrée: country fried steak or red beans and rice (vegetarian)
Sides: mashed potatoes, gravy and yellow pound cake
Entrée: crispy chicken with mac & cheese with buffalo sauce or roasted cauliflower steak with chimichurri sauce
Side: asparagus
This semester, NMC Magazine wants your colorific creations. The theme is color and we want you to explore warm and cool, polychromatic versus monochromatic, saturated or muted shades.
Color symbolism, vivacious imagery, grayscale, rainbow, and even CMYK all qualify; as long as it’s colorful, we want to see your submissions shine.
Pick one color, three, seven—as many colors as you like!
Accepted mediums include:
Visit nmc.edu/nmcmagazine to submit your entry. The deadline to enter is Friday, March 15, 2024.
To find these selections and many other new titles, see the NMC library catalog.
If a typical 2020 high school graduate stayed on track for a bachelor’s degree, they’re now a college senior, expecting to graduate in a few months.
Thanks to dual enrollment at NMC, however, Kaitlyn Watson (right) graduated in December 2022 from Michigan State. On top of her two and a half year dash to a degree, the 2020 Grand Traverse Academy valedictorian reached the finish line without any debt.
Now, a newly-established dual enrollment tuition rate for students outside Grand Traverse County will allow hundreds more students to access that fast track to an affordable degree.
“Dual enrollment allowed me to complete college quickly, debt-free, and begin to pursue my true passions,” said Watson, whose degree in statistics landed her a job at MSU that allowed her to move back to Traverse City and work remotely. “It truly changed my life.”
Watson is one of NMC’s many dual enrollment success stories. Most have been from Grand Traverse County because of what, until now, have been higher costs to residents outside the county.
There’s 2019 Kingsley High School graduate Jacie King, (left) who says her NMC dual enrollment credits kept her on track after she transferred from Albion College to Grand Valley State University. She found out many of the Albion credits didn’t transfer to Grand Valley, but her dual enrolled NMC credits did.
“I am very thankful that I was able to dual enroll, otherwise I would have been starting all over,” said King, one of four siblings who all dual-enrolled at NMC.
King graduated from GVSU in December and is now employed by Allendale Public Schools in her chosen field of health and physical education. Besides saving her tuition money – dual enrollment is paid for by a student’s home school district – King found a second financial advantage.
“Because I had so many credits early I was able to start substitute teaching earlier in my program, and got paid experience through that,” she said.
School districts use a portion of their state funding to cover dual enrollment tuition. Since a student’s residency factors into their NMC tuition rate, however, the state dollars haven’t always covered the total bill. Districts could bill families for the difference.
The new rate ($160/contact hour), unanimously approved by NMC’s Board of Trustees in January, is expected to cover the bill, eliminating out-of-pocket tuition costs for most dual-enrolled students, regardless of where they live.
To find out more, attend a family information session in person or virtually later this month. Students can also contact their high school guidance counselor to find out more about the new rate and how to apply to be a dual enrolled student starting this fall.
TRAVERSE CITY — Six candidates are eligible to fill the Board of Trustees seat vacated by former trustee Rachel Johnson last month.
The applicants, who must reside in Grand Traverse County, are:
Johnson resigned from NMC’s Board of Trustees effective Jan. 22. The new trustee will serve until the next regular community college election in November 2024. At that time voters will choose a candidate to serve the remainder of the term held by Johnson, which expires December 31, 2026.
In accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, interviews and the final appointment will be conducted by the full NMC Board of Trustees at a special meeting set for 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, rooms 106–107, on NMC’s Front Street campus.
Diana Fairbanks
Associate Vice President of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019
Do you have an idea or project that needs resources to reach its full potential? If so, the Office of Possibilities wants to hear from you! OOPS seeks to provide resources for education-related projects as well as projects related to community partnerships with NMC.
The next pitch event will be held on March 15, 2024 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, room 104/105.
Those interested in pitching an idea should submit an application in order to be connected with an OOPs team member who can assist in planning your pitch.
Considering submitting an honors project? Students who have completed at least 12 credits and have a 3.0 GPA or higher qualify to complete an honors project. Honors projects allow students to dive deeper into a topic of interest and work with their instructors to develop content for any course. Honors projects can include research papers, art projects, 3-d models and many other unique ideas! Those who successfully complete their project and finish class with at least a 3.5 grade will qualify as an honors graduate and potentially receive scholarship money.
Contracts are due by February 16 for the spring 2024 semester. More info is available at nmc.edu/honors.
The Hawk Owl Café serves specials daily on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. The protein option is $9.99 and the vegetarian option is $7.99.
Entrée: italian pasta bake with meatballs
Sides: roasted brussel sprouts and crostini
Food for the soul menu (protein option $6.00; vegetarian option is $5.00)
Entrée: shrimp or blackened tofu and cheesy grits
Sides: collard greens, cornbread and cherry cheesecake
Entrée: tandoori grilled chicken thighs with rice
Sides: broccoli and naan bread
Entrée: baked chicken or roasted cauliflower steak with chimichurri
Sides: potatoes and green beans
Entrée: beer battered cod sandwich with tarter sauce
Sides: french fries and cole slaw